The first memory you may have of a librarian is someone helping you find a picture book at your local library or public school. This is one type of librarian. But there are other types of librarians who work in a variety of institutions, from schools and public libraries to universities and research institutes. If you wish to know how to become a librarian in 2025, read on to learn more. We’ll break down what it means to be a librarian, the educational requirements you need to become one, and the job prospects in the field.
What Is a Librarian?
A librarian is a specialist in information science. As the custodian of a library, they are responsible for the library’s catalog, both physical and virtual. This allows them to help library patrons find whatever book, reference, or information they’re looking for.
Librarians are skilled researchers and often have vast subject expertise and experience working with data, especially if they work at specialized libraries or archives.
What Does a Librarian Do?
A librarian’s primary occupation is to help students and library patrons who are conducting research. They answer questions, find information, locate books, periodicals, and other materials. They also access data and guide the research process. As technology has advanced, librarians have also become experts in a variety of different information systems.
Technical Services and Cataloging
Librarians who work in technical services are trained information science professionals in many systems. They know all about the most obscure corners of the library and the virtual systems and catalogs used to access items.
Cataloging means keeping tabs on new books and materials that arrive. Cataloging librarians enter these materials into the library catalog so that they can be tracked and traced within the library’s information system. These systems allow librarians and patrons to access the vast amounts of data found in the catalog.
Public Services
Public-facing librarians help library visitors navigate the complex library system and find what they are looking for. Depending on the scope of the person’s question, the librarian may even help them conduct research and identify sources.
Archival Work and Maintenance
Some libraries house archives, which can contain primary source documents like letters, photographs, legal documents, or other historical documents. Archival workers have the extra responsibility of managing valuable and often very old archival materials and making sure they are treated with care.
Essential Librarian Skills
The stereotype that a librarian is very bookish and antisocial isn’t really accurate. Many librarians spend a lot of their time talking to library patrons and helping them find their sources and materials. This means that you should hone your interpersonal skills when learning how to become a librarian. That said, librarians also need to have sharp academic skills, patience, and natural curiosity.
Analytical Skills
Librarians of all kinds, including school librarians, archivists, and research librarians, need to have strong analytical skills. They must interpret all kinds of information quickly and efficiently, analyze their library’s collection and databases, and evaluate library settings.
Collections Management/Organizational Skills
To be a skilled librarian, you must have strong organizational skills. If you are managing a vast collection of different materials and using several cataloging and information systems, you need to keep it all straight. You can master the skills necessary to become a librarian in one of the many degree programs for library and information science.
Technological Skills
As catalogs have moved online, and online databases have made information more readily available, librarians must now have strong digital skills. That said, they usually just need to learn a few databases and systems.
Digital & Emerging Tech Literacy
Modern librarians increasingly manage digital collections, metadata, digital archives, and may even support digitization initiatives, data management, and light coding or scripting for managing digital content. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core), and basic data tools is increasingly valuable.
Librarian Salary and Job Outlook
As a librarian, you can be surrounded by books all day.
A librarian’s salary can vary depending on the kind of library, archive, or institute the librarian works in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for librarians is $59,220 in May 2024, which is higher than the median for all occupations at $49,500.¹⁰
School librarians, especially those at public school libraries, typically earn less than the national average for the job. Librarians who work at colleges and universities or who hold a doctoral degree in library science may earn significantly more.
Beyond salary, librarians usually enjoy competitive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits often offered to those in public-service occupations.
Research specialists and students will continue to need librarians to help them access the materials they need. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that librarian jobs will increase by about 3 percent between 2023 and 2033, increasing from 142,200 to 146,400 jobs.¹⁵
Research specialists and students will continue to need librarians to help them access the materials they need. In the past decade, libraries have started to offer services that go far beyond book-borrowing and research. Many public libraries host public and private events, offer continuing education classes for adults, have youth services programs, host book clubs, and more. Librarians are also needed to help manage these programs.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Librarian?
It takes at least six years of full-time coursework to become a librarian. Librarians must hold a bachelor’s degree in any academic field and a master of library science or a master of library and information science.
A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete and a master’s degree in library and information science takes two. Combined, students need to complete six years of full-time study to become librarians.
How to Become a Librarian: A Step-by-Step Guide
The exact steps you’ll need to take to become a librarian vary slightly depending on what kind of librarian you want to be. Do you want to be a school librarian, working with young students in public schools? Or would you rather work at a university or research institute? Ultimately, you will need to earn degrees and, potentially, some other endorsements.
Before you become overwhelmed, take a deep breath and keep doing your research like you’re doing right now. The more you learn about library and information science, the better sense you will get of what it takes to become a librarian.
So, let’s jump into discussing exactly how to become a librarian.
Step 1: Get Your Bachelor’s Degree
If you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, you must earn one so you can pursue the master’s degree that librarian positions require. You can even get an online degree. Bachelor’s degree programs in library and information sciences exist, but earning one does not qualify you to work as a librarian.
For this reason, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in a subject that you’re interested in. Then you can move on to a master’s degree program in library and information sciences. Librarians commonly hold bachelor’s degrees in English, education, history, anthropology, and other social sciences.
Step 2: Get a Master’s Degree in a Library Science Program
This is the most crucial step you need to take to become a librarian. Librarians must have a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS or MLS) from an ALA-accredited program, which is recognized as the appropriate professional degree for librarians in most public, academic, and special libraries ¹⁴. The majority of employers require an ALA-accredited master’s for professional roles.¹⁰
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Some states—particularly for school librarians—require additional teaching certification or endorsement in addition to the MLIS/MLS.¹⁸
Step 3: Get a Part-Time Job at a Local Library
This isn’t required, but it’s helpful to get to where you want to be when learning how to become a librarian. Working part-time at a library while you pursue your degrees will give you relevant experience and an edge in the job market. You can also volunteer at a public or local school library. As with pursuing any other occupations, you should seek out every opportunity to get more experience and insight into your desired profession.
Step 4: Specialize With Certifications or Licenses
First, decide what type of librarian you want to become. Then, do your research and find out what other licenses or certifications you need, if any. To become a school librarian, for example, you’ll likely need state teaching certification in addition to an ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS.¹⁸ Directors in some states (e.g., Michigan) may have additional degree requirements based on population served.²²
Best Courses and Training Programs for Librarians
While rarely heard of, several universities do offer undergraduate degree and graduate degree programs in library science and information systems. Courses that can be taken on-campus or online are available for aspiring librarians. To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of these programs below.
In-Person and Hybrid Librarian Degree Programs
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Program/s: Master of Science in Library & Information Science (on‑campus & online)
Consistently ranked the number-one program in the nation, the University of Illinois iSchool offers one of the most flexible and respected degrees in the field. Students can choose the traditional on-campus format or complete their degree fully online through the LEEP program, which combines virtual classrooms with live advising and student support. The MS/LIS program also allows for joint degrees, such as pairing the LIS degree with a Master of Arts in History or even a Juris Doctor for students interested in law librarianship. Graduates benefit from a strong professional network and one of the largest LIS faculties in the United States.⁵
University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
Program/s: Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) and Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS)
UNC–Chapel Hill’s School of Information and Library Science (SILS) is tied for the third-best program in the country. It offers two separate tracks: the MSLS for students focusing on librarianship and archival management, and the MSIS for those pursuing careers in information systems design and leadership. Both programs emphasize a customizable curriculum where students can combine core courses with specialized electives, a practicum experience, or a master’s paper. Concentrations are available in areas such as archives and records management, digital curation, and information interaction.⁶
University of Arizona
Program/s: Master of Arts in Library and Information Science
The University of Arizona’s MLIS program ranks among the top schools for information systems and archives and preservation. Students may complete the degree on-campus, online, or through a hybrid format, making it a highly flexible option for working professionals. The curriculum offers broad specialization opportunities, including digital librarianship, law librarianship, archival studies, and health information management. Students typically finish in two years, though the program allows up to six years for completion. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree and review by the Graduate College and the program’s admissions committee.⁷
Simmons University
Program/s: Master of Science in Library & Information Science
Simmons University’s SLIS program is ranked in the top ten nationally and is notable for its multiple delivery options. Students may attend on the main Boston campus, at the SLIS West campus in Greenfield (a part-time in-person option), or fully online. Simmons also offers distinctive dual-degree tracks that combine library and information science with history, including programs in Archives Management and Cultural Heritage Informatics. Students benefit from internships with organizations such as the John F. Kennedy Library and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Admissions require transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a resume, with the GRE required only for applicants with a GPA below 3.0.⁸
Should You Become a Librarian?
Only you can answer this question, but it’s clear, now more than ever, that access to accurate information should be a basic human right. As a librarian, you can help others stay informed, discover books and learning, or find the sources they need for their research projects. All in a day’s work.
FAQs
Like many information and data-based occupations, it takes about six years of full-time study to become a librarian. You will need a bachelor’s degree in any field (four years of full-time study) and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (two years of full-time study).
Librarians had a median annual wage of $59,220 in May 2024, higher than the overall national median wage.¹ Specialized roles such as law librarians or academic library directors can earn significantly more.
If you enjoy doing research, managing information, and interacting with community members or students, becoming a librarian could be a very rewarding career path. Further, librarians have the opportunity to earn competitive benefits packages.
The profession usually requires a master’s degree, making it more academically demanding than fields that require only a bachelor’s degree. However, there are many library support roles you can work in while pursuing your MLIS.
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/educational-instruction-and-library/home.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/emp
- https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/libcareers/become
- https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers/librarycareerssite/whatyouneedmaster
- https://ischool.illinois.edu/academics/graduate/ms-library-and-information-science/mslis-leep-online
- https://sils.unc.edu/master-of-science-in-information-science-msis
- https://infosci.arizona.edu/ma-library-information-science
- https://www.simmons.edu/academics/departments/slis/about
- https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-library-information-science-programs/library-information-science-rankings
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